Thousands of pub jobs under threat in Northern Ireland

Thousands of pub jobs will be in jeopardy in Northern Ireland if the decline in trade continues, according to new research.

In a survey of 200 licensees, trade body the Federation of Retail Licensed Trade (FRLT) found that 35 per cent of pubs have already made redundancies and 24 per cent expect to make more over the next 12 months.

FRLT chief executive Colin Neill said: "The statistics being announced today shows quite clearly that Northern Ireland's pub industry is in crisis. 98 per cent said that the economic situation is impacting their business and 45 per cent believe the next 12 months are going to be bad for business.

"Already 14 per cent of the publicans surveyed have reduced their opening hours to help make ends meet with an additional 23 per cent expecting to have to do the same this year."

The research also reveals that one pub in every 20 expects to have to close by the end of the year.

Three quarters (73 per cent) of licensees have already cut staff hours this year with 60 per cent again expected to do so in the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, 44 per cent of licensees said the introduction of a minimum price would help restore business that is currently being damaged by cheap supermarket deals.

Neill added: "These findings are a wake-up call that we need to act now to ensure we do not lose one of our most treasured assets and a vital component of our economy.

"I would call on the Northern Ireland Executive to take stock of these findings and to work with us to ensure that we do all that we can to save our local pubs and the jobs of those who work in them.

"The pub trade plays a vital role in our economy contributing £1billion annually and employing over 34,000 people. These jobs are in serious jeopardy and action needs to be taken to halt this decline."